The Blue Ridge Parkway transverses the states of North Carolina and Virgina and offers nearly 500 miles of breathtaking vistas, as well as hundreds of historical, cultural and natural activities and sights. In the spring, summer and fall months, the Parkway region fills up with visitors exploring the region and lodging at area campgrounds. If you are going to visit the area, there are campgrounds from which to choose.
Year-Round Activities
Blue Ridge Parkway campers can enjoy a diverse variety of year-round activities. There are 469 uninterrupted miles of hiking and biking trails ranging between 600 and 6,000 feet high. However, bikers in particular should note that distances between attractions and activities are far apart. Some noteworthy trails include: White Rock Falls Trail, Otter Creek Trail, Flat Top Trail, Appalachian Trail and Roanoke Valley Horse Trail.
Game fishing is allowed on Parkway ponds, lakes and rivers, and anglers can expect to catch trout, bass and panfish, although a valid fishing license is required.
In spring and summer, enjoy white-water rafting, kayaking and canoeing, and in autumn, the Parkway is famous for its fall foliage and scenic drives and hikes afford campers the best ways to view the autumn colors. Lastly, wintertime activities include skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing.
Public Campgrounds
Among the attractions campers can enjoy at or near the Blue Ridge Parkway are: Shenandoah National Park, Shenandoah Caverns, Luray Caverns, Skyline Caverns, The National Bridge and the Virginia Safari Park.
Although in Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is connected to Shenandoah National Park by the Blue Ridge Parkway and can be done as a fun excursion or detour.
Aside from these outdoor attractions, campers can enjoy visiting picturesque small towns, wineries, museums, nature centers and historic sites.
Parkway Campgrounds
The Blue Ridge Parkways operates nine public campgrounds. Although these campgrounds do not offer hookups or laundry, they allow campers easy access to hiking trails and an opportunity to participate in ranger or campfire programs.
All Parkway campgrounds have restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables and grills, but those longer RVs or trailers will want to call ahead to make sure their park of choice can accommodate their vehicle.
Winter and backcountry camping is available on a limited basis. RV and tent camping is also available at Shenandoah National Park.
Private Campgrounds
Families with young children will probably be happier at private campgrounds, which tend to offer more amenities and services than their public counterparts, although they tend to charge a little bit more.
There are literally dozens of private campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some noteworthy Virginia campgrounds include the Yogi Bear Jellystone Luray Campground, which features full hookup and primitive sites, as well as a 400-foot water slide, paddle boats, mini-golf, a pool, a laundromat, a playground and a snack shop and convenience store.
The Harrisonburg/Shenandoah Valley KOA has cabins, RV and tent sites with full hookups, as well as a pavilion, complimentary Wi-Fi, a camp store, a laundromat, a pool, a game room, hiking and mountain biking trails and mini-golf.
The Front Royal RV Campground features mini-golf, playground, a fishing pond, basketball courts, a movie room and a pool.
Camping Considerations
Public and private campgrounds are generally open from May 1 to Nov. 1. Public campgrounds function on a first-come, first-served basis, although certain campgrounds allow reservations, which can be made at recreation.gov.
If you decide to camp at a private campground, make your reservation at least a few weeks in advance in the spring and summer months, as the area tends to fill up with vacationing families and retirees. During peak foliage weekends, you'll also want to book your site a few weeks in advance.
If you plan to do a lot of forest hiking and biking, be sure to bring appropriate wear, such as sneakers or hiking boots, light, long-sleeved shirts and long pants in order to reduce the risk of Lyme disease, poison ivy and poison oak. Also, don't forget to pack the bug repellent.
If you'll be going white-water rafting, swimming or fishing, be sure to lather on the sunscreen. Lastly, if you'll be camping in late September and October, remember to bring plenty of blankets because higher elevations near the Blue Ridge Campground means nighttime temperatures can dip into the 40s or even the 30s Fahrenheit.
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